The High Cost of Lost Purpose

There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. – Napoleon Hill 

Eric via Compfight

According to the calendar, Monday was Memorial Day here in America.

Based on the Story, what might you expect to find us doing over the three-day weekend or on the Monday holiday?

What is the Memorial Day story? According to Wikipedia …

Memorial Day is an American federal holiday observed annually on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

How does this describe your weekend experience?

According to the calendar, Monday was Memorial Day here in America.

When we read on, perhaps we find a more accurate description, the reality of this holiday for the majority of us …

It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Is Memorial Day for Sale?

John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing provides a powerful story of what happens when we forget the purpose of something, such as Memorial Day. On Friday, May 25 at 6:16 a.m. John sent an email to his blog subscriber that starts …

I love Memorial Day and because of that I’m giving you a chance to grab our signature business-building program at 50% off, but only until Monday at midnight! Click here to take advantage of this offer.

But first, here’s why I love Memorial Day.

When I was growing up Memorial Day was the weekend where my parents would go to Sears or JC Penny and get us new shorts, shoes, baseball mitts and whatever else it was going to take to get us through the summer.

It was the official start of summer…

Less than 3 hours later, John sent another email with subject line: “So, I made a mistake and I would like to explain”. He writes … 

I sent out an email earlier today announcing a Memorial Day sale, but I made a significant mistake unintentionally.

I hesitate to send a follow-up message like this because in a way it simply highlights the mistake and perhaps irritates more readers.

The mistake was not a broken link or typo but one of intention.

Memorial Weekend is obviously a time set aside in the US to remember those that have fallen in service of our country. The fact is that aspect of the Holiday has not directly touched my family and the Holiday has always had more of a celebration aspect to it for me.

In my email I focused on that aspect in an attempt to have a light and fun tone for what I thought was a great offer.

I did not make any mention of the real purpose of this Holiday and for that I was wrong and simply mistaken. I apologize to anyone that I offended as I know this Holiday for many is very much a sacred time of remembrance.

I hope those of you that have subscribed to my newsletter or read my blog for any amount of time will consider the total body of my work and passion for helping small business and see my last email for what it was – an unthoughtful (sic) oversight.

Thanks for listening.

John

PS – I have a niece and nephew returning home from Afghanistan this weekend and do intend to celebrate their safe return!  (Emphases added)

What about purpose?

My respect for John is significant, even more now. He not only remembers the purpose of Memorial Day, but his purpose as a leader. He accepted 100% responsibility, owned his mistake – “I was wrong”, and apologized. Thank you.

• Purpose brings focus to the big picture lest we’re swept away in the moment
• Purpose answers the question: Why am I here?
• Purpose is the bigger-than-making-money reason for your organization’s existence answers: Why do we do what we do around here?

It’s pretty clear what happens when purpose is lost. Can you hear it in John’s story? When purpose is lost we become unintentional in life, relationships, and work … less deliberate.

Purpose helps keep us thoughtful and intentional in a world with a lot of voices. Purpose helps us think clearly when there are so many options and opportunities. Purpose helps us be stewards of our limited resources … time, energy, creativity, love, and life. Purpose helps me see what matters most – the people.

Red Skelton was a comedian and a clown back in the day … does that work matter? It did to him; he is quoted as having said,

If by chance someday you’re not feeling well and you should remember some silly thing I’ve said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled.

What’s your purpose? Why are you here on earth? What is the purpose of your business?

The more clarity we have around our purpose the more intentionally we will live our lives and make our contribution to others. The bottom line is this: purpose – in life and business – is centered on people.

Please forward to a friend or colleague.

Pick up your copy of my new book:

THE PEOPLE PROJECT:

Your Guide to Changing Behavior and Growing Your Influence as a Leader

Order your copy today!